11Mo Old Baby Boy Likes Touching His Privates

I have 3 boys, as soon as I take the little ones diaper off he does the same thing. I think they're always in their diaper and when they take it off they want to "air" out a little bit. I wouldn't be worried about it, i let him run around naked for a few minutes then put the diaper back on...he's too young understand and he's just exploring.

This is perfectly normal behavior!!! I personally wouldn't use a stern voice at this type of behavior, you don't want him thinking that it is wrong to touch his own body!!

At any rate, all kids do it, boys, girls, starting from a very early age!

There's nothing wrong with your son touching his privates at that age and by continuing to use a stern voice to say "no" you're giving him the impression that what he is doing is bad and shameful.

I'm sure he also has discovered his feet, his toes, his belly button, and other body parts and likely thought "hmmm, never noticed I had those before - let's check it out!" Chances are he has finally discovered his genitals and he realizes that when he touches them it feels good. He's not thinking, "wow this is such a sexual turn-on!", more like "Woah, this is an interesting feeling! I'm learning more about how my body works. Let's try it again."

Sounds 100% normal - so no need to make a big deal out of it.

OMG, why tell him to stop? It's totally normal and by telling him No, you are teaching him that his body is bad. It's totally normal and babies masturbate from about 8 months on. It's normal. Men masturbate at LEAST once a day and babies start this young. Touching himself is totally normal. All of us moms with boys know that once they find it... they never let go of it! LOL

Just wondering why you are putting him on the potty so young, too? That's VERY young for potty training, he has like 2 more years before he'll be ready for the potty. :(

Hi S. I've never had this problem with my son but take him in to see his pediatrican to make sure nothing is irritating him in that area. If that checks out okay just keep an eye on him and remove his hands from that area.

lol Well I think we got the it's ok to let him. If it still bothers you jsut distract him with something else.

For the potty training. I have my degree in early childhood education (birth to 5 yrs), and the average age to even begin to try to potty train is 18 mos.

This is because the muscle that gives you the feeling of needing to go to the restroom, and lets you control it does not even begin to develope until the average age of 18 mos. Of course just like with any other body part soem grom sooner or later.

Good luck!

This is totally natural. My son (who is 10 mo) does the same thing. Immediately when the diaper comes off, the playing begins. Don't make him feel bad about it (yelling at him etc). I'm sure he notices that it feels great to be touched - he's just exporing himself. Just make sure his hands are clean after potty b/c they go right in the mouth :) No worries.

I just read an article that said you should not discourage it at this young age because it will make them self concious and think something is wrong with themselves. My son does it too at age 1 and waht the article said made sense. All they know is that it feels good so why not touch it. From what I've seen they are scratching or just touching it, nothing else. Just something new they can explore.

It's like a magnet down there! He's done that since about 8 months and is now trying to grab through clothes. I'm not worried about it in the least- I mean, grown men are rearranging themselves all the time, and they know society's rules about that in public! He's just experimenting. You probably notice it a lot more since he only gets access to it when you're around (bath, changing, etc.). If he had 24 hour-a-day access to it you probably wouldn't even notice he discovered it! Relax- it'll pass. Making a big deal out of it- or anything- at this age will only encourage him to do it more!

I would let it go. That's what all babies do. Wow - 11 months and already potty training. I give you credit. My kids were over 2 before I even tried the potty training. Good luck!

A.
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First of all please don't discourage him. It is perfectly normal and natural and my son who is 23 months does the same thing when his diaper comes off or in the tub....Eventually, he won't do it as often. Of course the time to tell him no is if he is touching himself in public. Kids need to learn that it is a private thing and should only be done in the privacy of their room or bathroom. Don't worry nothing wrong with him...A phase at his age.

It is totally normal and you can't stop him!! Most boys find it around 5 months and love it from then on =)

his S.! i wouldn't worry too much about it, my son is almost 2 and he still does that! when he touches it i just say, ya that is your pee pee or sometimes i will say your private part. that way he knows what it is. i also would start saying things like, where is your nose, mouth etc.... other body parts.
my son mostly likes to touch that when he is in the tub. don't worry too much, just start introducing other body parts. way to go w/ the potty training! mine is far from it!

Hi S.-
TOTALLY NORMAL. That part of the body is always covered up, so when they get the chance to check it out they do. Every boy does this. Probably girls too, but I only have boys. Good Luck to you.

It's perfectly normal. Wait until he hits 4.5 and decides to just hold it, as my son continues to say... just because it feels good. I'm just as amazed as you are that they are just to young to be interested in their privates, but I'm finding out, that it's pretty much normal.

Its seems to me that he's experiencing a new feeling. I would think its normal but making him feel embarressed when he touches it might him feel guilty or uncomfortable when he gets older. Talk with your partner or male friend and see what they say.

this is perfectly normal. I have two boys and my second is 6 months old and he is touching his privates already. That's what babies do, they are discoving and seeing what things are on thier bodies. Just like when he realized that his hands were attached to him and then that he could control what they do!! Too funny! Just let him do his thing and discover. I wouldn't pushe the potty thing too early.

Take care!

You are reading too much into it to see his smile as sly. Use your hand to move his hands away if this disturbs you, he probably has no idea what you are saying no to. i have never had this problem last long. If you are following family tradition in trying to toilet train at 11 mos, then I cannot comment on that. however, he would be considered too young for toilet training by most child development experts.

My son did the same thing as a young one...just a phase with the grabbing and pulling when the diaper comes off, and totally normal! No worries!